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In memory of

Orville Ray Gipson

Bakersfield, CA, USA

June 8, 1939 - June 17, 2019

Jun 8, 1939 - Jun 17, 2019

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On Tuesday June 17, 2019, Orville Ray Gipson, loving husband and father of four children and three step-children passed away at the age of 80.

Ray, as he preferred to be called, was born on June 8, 1939 in Tucson, AZ to Mae Etta and James Monroe Gipson. By age 10 he had lost both of his parents, this, and the hardships of life molded him into a strong-willed and tough man who was not reliant on anyone. He was a likeable person, made friends wherever he went, and was tender hearted, almost to a flaw. He held many jobs in his life, but his favorite was husband to his loving wife Virginia for over 30 years.
At age 17, before his graduation from Arvin high school, he entered the Marine Corps. A patriot through and through, he fought hard for his country and did two tours of Vietnam. He was regularly surprised and would become choked up when he was approached and thanked for his service and the sacrifices he made during his 20 year career in the Marines. Throughout his military career he had different duties, he was a Security Officer, Draftsman, Counter Intelligence, Drill Instructor and finished his career as a Gunnery Sargent.

Ray was preceded in death by his mother, Etta Mae, and his father, James. He is survived by his wife Virginia; his four children, Theresa (Bob), Tammy, Tim (Lynne), and Cindy (Bill); his step-children, Hector (Natalee), Maria (Gary), and Jessica; his grandchildren, Jason, Christina, Tiffany, Joshua, Matthew, Aaron, Ambur, Elizabeth, Kyle, Anthony, Mae Ann, Ralph, Chancee, Cade, Israel, Alysa, Alyna, and Alyia; his great grandchildren, Aiden and Leonardo.
Ray will be missed dearly by his many friends, his loving family, and his beloved dog, Cujo.
‘…Step forward now, you Marine. You’ve borne your burdens well. Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets. You’ve done your time in hell.” – Author unknown.

A special thanks to Optimal Hospice, family, and friends who helped, visited, and checked in on Ray during his last days. You made a huge difference in his life and we will forever be grateful.
Orville’s ashes will be laid to rest at the Bakersfield National Cemetery on July 3, 2019 at 10:45 am followed by his Celebration of life.

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